The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially confirmed the grant payment dates for January 2026, ensuring millions of beneficiaries receive financial support on time at the start of the new year. These grants remain a vital lifeline for older persons, people living with disabilities, children, and vulnerable households across South Africa.
Below is a complete breakdown of January 2026 SASSA payment dates, grant amounts, verification updates, and important information every beneficiary should know.
SASSA January 2026 Grant Payment Dates
SASSA has confirmed the following official payment schedule for January 2026:
| Grant Type | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant | Tuesday, 6 January 2026 |
| Disability Grant | Wednesday, 7 January 2026 |
| Children’s Grants | Thursday, 8 January 2026 |
| SRD R370 Grant | Between 19 – 25 January 2026 (processed in batches) |
SRD payments are not released on one fixed day. Beneficiaries should regularly check their status for the exact date.
SASSA Grant Amounts for 2026
Here are the current grant amounts beneficiaries can expect:
- Old Age Grant (60–74 years): R2,315
- Old Age Grant (75+ years): R2,335
- Disability Grant: R2,315
- War Veterans Grant: R2,315
- Care Dependency Grant: R2,315
- Child Support Grant: R560 per child
- Foster Child Grant: R1,250
- SRD Grant: R370
These amounts remain subject to government review and budget adjustments.
Biometric Verification – What Beneficiaries Must Know
SASSA continues to roll out biometric verification to protect beneficiaries and reduce fraud.
Biometric verification includes:
- Fingerprint scanning
- Facial recognition
- Identity matching with Home Affairs records
This process ensures that grants are paid only to eligible individuals and helps prevent identity theft and fraudulent claims.
If your biometric details are not verified, your grant may be delayed or temporarily suspended.
How to Check Your SASSA Status (January 2026)
Beneficiaries can check their payment status using any of the following official methods:
Online Status Check
- Visit the official SRD portal
- Enter your ID number and registered mobile number
- View approval status and payment date
- Save 082 046 8553
- Send a message and follow the prompts
SMS Method
- Send: STATUS [Your ID Number] to 32555
SASSA Office Visit
- Visit your nearest SASSA office for assistance or biometric updates
Why Your SASSA Application May Be Declined
Your application may be declined due to:
- Detected income from employment or bank accounts
- Incorrect personal details
- Duplicate applications
- Missing biometric verification
If declined, beneficiaries can submit an appeal through the official SASSA appeal process.
What to Do If Your Payment Is Delayed
If your payment does not reflect on the expected date:
- Wait 24–48 hours (bank processing delays are common)
- Recheck your SASSA status online
- Ensure your bank details are correct
- Contact SASSA support if the issue continues
Important Safety Tips for Beneficiaries
- Never share your ID number, PIN, or OTP
- Avoid unknown SMS or WhatsApp links
- Collect grants during daylight hours
- Report fraud to the SASSA fraud line
Final Reminder for January 2026 Beneficiaries
SASSA urges all beneficiaries to:
- Keep personal details updated
- Complete biometric verification when requested
- Rely only on official SASSA platforms for updates
This ensures smooth payments and protects against fraud and misinformation.
FAQs for January 2026 SASSA Payments
1. When will SASSA pay grants in January 2026?
SASSA will start paying grants from 6 January 2026. Older Persons Grants are paid first, followed by Disability Grants on 7 January, and Children’s Grants on 8 January 2026. SRD R370 payments are processed later in the month, usually between 19–25 January.
2. Why is my SASSA payment still pending?
Your SASSA payment may show as pending due to:
- Ongoing biometric verification
- Incorrect or outdated banking details
- Income detected in your bank account
- System or bank processing delays
You should recheck your status online or visit a SASSA office if the delay continues.
3. How can I check my SASSA status for January 2026?
You can check your SASSA status using:
- The official SASSA SRD website
- WhatsApp (082 046 8553)
- SMS by sending STATUS + ID number to 32555
- Visiting your nearest SASSA office
Always use the same ID and phone number used during application.
4. What should I do if my SASSA grant is declined?
If your grant is declined, you can submit an appeal through the official SASSA appeal system. Declines usually happen due to income verification, missing information, or identity mismatches. Appeals must be submitted within the allowed timeframe.
5. Is biometric verification compulsory for SASSA grants?
Yes. Biometric verification is mandatory for many beneficiaries. It helps prevent fraud and confirms your identity using fingerprints or facial recognition. Failure to complete verification may result in delayed or suspended payments.
